Sports Takes and Predictions

Cowboys Face Giants in a Must Win

1. New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
Monday, 8:30 pm

With a 1-4 record the Cowboys have to be considered the most disappointing team in the first six weeks of the NFL season. With the high level of talent they seem to have, much was expected of this group. But one game after another they find ways to lose, mostly by shooting themselves in the foot. Now it’s getting to the point where you have to start wondering if they really do have a high level of talent. How long do you continue to say that a team is better than how it is playing before that poor level of play is their new reality?

Will the Cowboys fight or fold?

Like the Cowboys, the Giants struggled in the early going. The difference is they rallied after starting 1-2 and have won three straight. Their defense has been stellar against the pass and they currently rank second in the NFL. Much of that is because of the monster pass rush they’ve been able to generate, especially during their three-game winning streak. New York has also been utilizing Ahmad Bradshaw very effectively and now ranks fifth in the NFL in rushing.

The Giants win if: They can get to Tony Romo with their front four. The Cowboys have only let up seven sacks, which is good. But, they have also allowed 30 QB hits, which is bad.

The Cowboys win if: They avoid penalties and turnovers. They’ve outpenalized their opponent in all five games this season and have been called for double digit penalties in three of their four losses. The only game they’ve finished with a positive turnover differential was the win at Houston. Otherwise, they have committed nine turnovers while only causing one.

The Giants are playing good football and the Cowboys are not. It’s very tempting to give up on Dallas at this point in the season. I’ve picked them week after week only to regret it after the game is played. BUT, I still think they have a high level of talent and I believe they will win this game. When they went into Houston in week three with their backs absolutely against the wall they were able to buckle down and get the victory. They’ll be playing the Giants in Jerry’s World on Monday night with the world watching. This is a critical game for the Cowboys and I’m picking them to get the W.

What do you think? Will the G-Men go into Dallas and get a win? Or do you think the Cowboys will finally start to play to their talent level? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.